Shanghai draws S Koreans in droves as China’s visa-free entry entices travellers

South Koreans are making a beeline for China, especially top urban centres such as Shanghai, as overseas travellers take advantage of China’s visa exemptions. But localities may need to address common complaints to sustain the momentum.

Shanghai appears to have become the new darling for Koreans on a weekend getaway to escape work stress and political turmoil at home, as they swarm the city’s glitzy streets and back alleys.

Koreans, speaking their language and donning haircuts and outfits synonymous with Korean fashion, can be seen snapping photos at Instagram-worthy attractions such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, in the Lujiazui financial district and at the Huangpu River promenade. They just may not be able to post on Instagram because it is among the banned social media apps in China.

China has swung its door wider to foreigners in the post-Covid era to revitalise the economy and burnish its image. Currently, citizens of nearly 40 countries, including South Korea, can stay visa-free for 30 days.

The horde descending upon Shanghai is borne out by immigration and booking numbers.

The city welcomed 4.56 million foreign visitors last year – double the level from 2023 – according to Shanghai government data. The top five countries of origin were South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Australia and Germany.